I would not look at this as 'terminating' them Apples and Bananas ... as other mentioned I would look at it as having to reflect on your hours choosing what you think will give you the 'balance' you need and than just let ALL your clients know including this early client via a written notice something along the lines that 'After reflecting on the new school year approaching I wanted to let clients know that effective X date the program will only be operating between the hours of Y and Z. (give them time to make alternate arrangements before you 'change'). I realize that this might not be manageable for all my clients and totally understand that some of you might be required to find alternate care arrangements ~ please remember that X weeks notice is required to terminate care on your end if this is something you feel you need to do. If you have any questions please know my door is always open'.

Business models change all the time and this has nothing to do with 'them' but is about what you need to do to keep your business viable by keeping you passionate about doing it .... why keep these hours if they are killing you just to keep one client happy if it might mean that ALL your clients end up getting a 'doors are closing cause I am burnt out' notice down the road?

I feel bad for clients who need 'wonky' hours of care but the reality is that this is a hard business and you need to either decide starting out if you are going to be an 'early riser' and be like a 6-4 type childcare or you are going to be a late bloomer and be a 8-5 or 9-6 type daycare .... but you cannot burn the candle at both ends and expect to thrive in this business .... 12+ hours days are just too much for anyone no matter how much you LOVE this job starting out the reality is that in all my years of being in childcare I have met very few people who can do it 12 hours a day and keep a SMILE on at least not LONG TERM .... I know you hear people who say that 'oh well mothers do it 24/7 all the time what are you complaining about 12 hours for .... but caring for OTHER peoples children is not the same as raising your own its just not